With the upcoming milestone casting a sense of legacy and anticipation over the evening, the awards honoured the riders, horses, and teams whose excellence defined the 2025 season.

Team owners, breeders and the who’s who of the show jumping and GCL community filled the room, setting the tone for an unforgettable week ahead. The trophies were presented by Jan Tops, Founder and President of GCL.

A year shaped by decisive rounds, elite horsepower, and the riders who delivered when it mattered.

The 2025 GCL Championship once again highlighted the strategic mastery and competitive depth that have defined the GCL across the past decade. The atmosphere reached boiling point as Valkenswaard United sealed their place in history, rising above the world’s best to claim their share of the €8.5 million Championship prize and become the first team ever to win three GCL Championships.

From the very start of the season, the blue-and-gold banner was carried by the calm, clinical riding of Gilles Thomas and Hans-Dieter Dreher, whose ice-cool rounds and depth of horse power became the backbone of the team’s campaign. Their unwavering form kept the relentless Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames at bay, denying the pink-and-black squad a storybook finish despite their late-season surge. When the final points were tallied, Valkenswaard United stood at 326, holding off the Stars by 11 points, with the ever-consistent Shanghai Swans securing third place on 272 - a testament to a season built on discipline, horsepower, and championship instinct.

But the narrative of 2025 took one final twist in Riyadh. In a dramatic turn, the Prague Lions powered by Czech Equestrian Team suffered an unexpected elimination in Round 2, a shock that reshaped the entire GC Playoffs landscape. The door opened for Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym, who seized the moment with decisive performances from Christian Kukuk and Emanuele Camilli. Their clutch third-place finish propelled Riesenbeck International to fourth in the standings, snatching the last fast-track ticket to the GCL Super Cup Semi-Final by the narrowest of margins.

The 2025 season delivered drama, dominance, and defining moments at every turn. From early-season breakthroughs to late-season pressure cookers, the road to Prague tested depth, strategy, and the ability to deliver when the stakes were highest. And tonight, before the sport’s biggest week begins, the GCL community paused to honour the performances that shaped the narrative of the year.

Ghageorge named horse of the year!

“I took the ride on Chageorge as an 8 year old and, and I could see quality. From Just Be Gentle, and of course Checker, it goes to show the horses Beerbaum Stables are producing are at the top level, to have Chageorge as part of the Beerbaum Stables team is an honour.” Christian Kukuk - Riesenbeck International powered by HorseGym

His breeder Paul Schockemohle said: "I aim to improve 10% in quality not quantatity each year, and to see the horses at this level is very rewarding. It means a lot to me to win this award."

Gilles Thomas is rider of the year

"To receive this award at the end of such a big season means a lot to me. I tried to stay focused every week and do my job for the team, and I am very proud of what we achieved together. Valkenswaard United worked hard from the first stage to the last, and this result belongs to all of us - riders, owners, grooms, and the whole team behind the scenes. I am very grateful, and I look forward to finishing this special week strong here in Prague." Gilles Thomas - GCL Rider of the Season."

Carlos Hank is U25 rider of the season

“Winning the U25, is the highlight of the season, having this platform of the GCL helps me develop as a rider. Thanks to Jan Tops, and everyone involved with GCL. If you are winning at this level of these shows then you can't do much better.” Carlos Hank Guerreiro - Mexico Amigos powered H5 Stables